The technological level of upper limb prostheses has always been fairly poor so far if compared with that of other analogous systems (e.g. lower limb prostheses, assistive robots). However, there is no doubt that in the recent years the upper limb research stimulated the most exciting developments in prosthetic technology. Indeed, new terminal devices and novel articulations for the artificial arm have been recently proposed, and the control hardware, software and firmware are in continuous progress for the implementation of effective control options for the wearers as well as for an easier management of the electronic boards. Also the clinical treatment of the patients is significantly improving. This e-book illustrates significant milestones reached by the scientists in prosthetic research considering both technical issues and clinical features, and also sheds lights on new trends and future developments of this field.

A break in the proximal part of the tibia or shinbone region results in a Tibial plateau fracture. This type of bone damage results in the impaired motion and stability of the leg and the knee joint. Since this is a critical load-bearing region of the body, patients affected by these fractures have difficulty in carrying their body weight, which can cause major disability. Tibial plateau fractures commonly occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents in younger individuals and as a result of osteoporosis in elderly women. With appropriate medical guidance, patient rehabilitation is possible. This book is a concise handbook on key information about the diagnosis and treatment of Tibial plateau fractures. Chapters in this book cover the epidemiology of these types of bone fractures, diagnostic imaging, surgical treatment options and patient rehabilitation. The book is intended as a primer on Tibial plateau fractures for medical students and novice surgeons who aim to specialize in orthopaedic surgery. Readers will be able to understand how to manage relevant bone fracture cases which they encounter and will learn how to improve patient recovery after surgical procedures

The electrical response of cells to mechanical stimulus is known as mechanotransduction. This monograph is a summary of the mechanotransduction in musculoskeletal cells responsible for body tissue maintenance, support, cover and movement. While mechanotransduction is similar among these cells, there are also several important differences in mechanical parameters and cellular pathways characteristic to each cell type. Therefore, readers will have the opportunity to update their knowledge about the increasing volume of information on mechanotransduction in these cells gained from current research. The book features a primer on general aspects of cellular biomechanics and the experimental methods and equipment commonly used for investigating cellular mechanotransduction in vitro in two dimensional cultures in which cells are adherent to plastic surfaces. Characteristic mechanotransduction pathways in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), chondrocytes, osteoblasts and fibroblasts are described in the accompanying chapters. Finally, a description of clinical implementation of mechanical stimulation is presented with emphasis on distraction osteogenesis, involving osteoblast stimulation, and skin stretching techniques based on fibroblast stimulation. This monograph is a useful reference for readers involved in graduate courses or basic research in cell biology and musculoskeletal physiology.

Otolaryngology for the Pediatrician serves both as a primer as well as an instant reference for all medical practitioners caring for the pediatric patient. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases are very common in children and this e-book covers the vast majority of these conditions from an expert viewpoint with data published by respected medical professionals. Topics covered in this e-book include hearing loss, otitis media, neck masses and infections, sinusitis, stridor and many more. Readers with find actionable education needed to help care for their patients presented within simple, easy to read chapters.

This textbook provides a brief review of pediatric medicine practice. This book covers the diseases and disorders commonly seen in routine practice. The chapters cover pediatric disorders such as obesity, gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, allergy, sinusitis, diabetes, thyroid disorder, epistaxis, otitis media, hearing loss, laryngomalacia, obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, laryngomalacia, stridor, tonsillitis, haemophilia, autism, and anxiety. Key features of this textbook include: - Reader friendly format which explains etiology, pathophysiology, and disease management - 21 chapters covering common pediatric disorders encountered by medical professionals - Contributions by several experts in pediatric subspecialties This textbook is a suitable reference for medical students, interns, residents, and specialists including pediatricians, family medicine practitioners, otolaryngologists as well as subspecialists such as pediatric cardiologists, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists and allergists.

Depression is considered as a complex problem with potentially serious economic consequences for affected individuals as well as public healthcare systems. There is much debate among laypersons, patients, academics and clinicians about the causes of depression, its clinical significance and the effect of conventional medical interventions such as antidepressants. This monograph showcases some aspects of depression through specific reviews on some of the intricacies behind its mechanism. The book includes five reviews on the subject, covering the significance of depression in patient well-being, an update on P300 wave findings and the link with clinical depression, the genomics behind depression, the effects of ageing on the onset of depression in stroke patients, and tensor imaging techniques used in studies on patients exhibiting suicidal behaviors as a result of major depressive disorder. This reference provides useful updates for healthcare workers, neuroscientists and behavioral scientists interested in basic research on depression and in planning to develop methods to study depression in either a clinical or laboratory setting

Suicide is a complex problem which is linked to socioeconomic problems as well as mental stress and illness. Healthcare professionals now know that the essential component of the suicidal person’s state of crisis is of a psychological and emotional nature. How to Help the Suicidal Person to Choose Life is a detailed guide to suicide prevention. The book recommends ethic of care and empathy as a tool for suicide intervention. Readers will learn about approaches that focus on suicide prevention that address the despairing emotional mind set of the suicidal person. Key features: • Features easy to understand learning guides for students • Emphasizes on suicide intervention strategies rather than identification of risk factors • highlights information from narrative case studies and psychological autopsies • includes practice and simulation exercises designed to enhance therapeutic modalities such as empathy, compassion, unconditional positive regard, connection, therapeutic alliance, the narrative action theoretical approach and mindful listening • Contains guidelines prescribed by the Aeschi working group for clinicians • Provides a list of bibliographic references and an appendix for other resources of information useful for suicide prevention This book is recommended for students and practicing professionals (in medicine, psychiatry, nursing, psychiatric nursing, psychology, counselling, teaching, social work, the military, police, paramedics etc.), and other first responders, volunteers or outreach workers who are confronted with situations where they have to assist people who are known or suspected of being suicidal.

This eBook provides critical information for mental health providers, including counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who are interested in providing services for children with chronic illnesses. The contents of the eBook focus on enhancing resilience in children with chronic illnesses or medical conditions and their families as they strive to adjust as the child copes with the waxing and waning symptoms of his or her illness. Practical suggestions for working with children and families are also provided along with a thorough review of relevant literature. Readers of this eBook will gain a better understanding of social work and health care issues related to promoting health and wellness among children suffering from long term illnesses. This eBook is also useful for graduate students training to become counselors or therapists.

Demographic changes due to improved life expectancy and access to medical care has increased the number of people aged 65 years and beyond. This raises an important new challenge for healthcare professionals. Changes in organ functions, homeostatic mechanisms and receptor responsiveness impair drug distribution, metabolism and excretion, and reduce the effectiveness of medicines among geriatric patients. As a consequence, management of medical regimens is much more challenging in the elderly than in younger adult patients. Elderly patients are also more susceptible than other age groups to certain drug-drug interactions, drug-disease interactions and adverse drug reactions owing to the number of drugs administered. Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication is a common finding in the elderly healthcare and it is considered a public health issue related to morbidity, mortality and health care resource use. Psychopharmacological Issues in Geriatrics can be regarded as a ‘pharmacovigilance’ manual for elderly patients as it presents recommendations for geriatric prescription with specific considerations. The book also provides a comprehensive review of specific classes of psychopharmacological agents used to treat geriatric patients, including antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics and mood stabilizers. The book is intended as a handbook for general medical and nursing practitioners.

Substance and Non substance Related Addiction Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment is an accessible handbook about the two main types of addiction disorders. It is divided into three sections which cover 1) the scientific underpinnings of addiction disorders (neurobiology, addiction neural reward pathways, genetic and psychosocial basis of addiction, screening and treatment), 2) information about substances commonly used by addicts (pharmacology, diagnostics and treatment considerations) and 3) current understandings of the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral problems (such as gambling), respectively. Key features: -covers both substance abuse and behavioral problems -uses a reader friendly format with a patient education handout style -includes key learning points listed in each chapter -includes clinical vignettes which outline brief history, evaluation, diagnostic considerations with successful pharmacological, psychological and social interventions -includes references in each chapter The handbook meets the information needs of medical students and professionals (family physicians, nurses, addiction therapists, psychiatry residents, and other health care professionals) interested in the primary care of patients afflicted with addiction disorders.